What mushrooms can do for you
As you may have noticed, mushrooms are the hottest wellness trend.
Which is surprising since they’ve been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years!
But many people still don’t know how mushrooms can benefit them.
So I’ve taken this afternoon to compile many of the reasons people use mushrooms and why you might want to as well…
Longevity
A study from 2021 found that adults who ate mushrooms had a lower risk of premature death, regardless of their demographics, lifestyle choices and other dietary factors.
The researchers observed a dose-response relationship between higher mushroom consumption and lower risk of all-cause mortality, suggesting the more mushrooms one eats, the less chance they have of dying - of anything!
Low mood
A study from November 2021 found that people who eat mushrooms have a lower chance of experiencing depression.
While the types of mushrooms consumed were not reported in this study, previous research has shown Lion’s Mane mushroom to stimulate the growth of new brain cells, which may also help prevent or reduce depression risk and symptoms.
Reduce cancer risk
According to a meta-analysis of 17 cancer studies, published in March 2021, mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer.
Researchers found that people who regularly ate any type of mushrooms had a lower risk of cancer.
It was also found that the protective effects of mushrooms were most strongly associated with reduced breast cancer risk.
Turkey tail mushroom, in particular, has been shown to suppress the growth of certain types of cancers, and has been used in Japanese medicine since the 1980’s to treat cancer.
Anxiety
Many mushrooms also appear to have adaptogenic qualities, meaning they can help the body adapt to stress by regulating the body's stress response system. Chronic stress is linked to a variety of mental health issues, particularly anxiety.
Some mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, have been shown to promote the growth of new brain cells and improve cognitive function and mood.
Other mushrooms, such as Reishi, have been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system and may be useful for reducing symptoms of anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Memory problems
Compounds in lion's mane mushroom, known as hericenones, stimulate the production of neurotrophic factors in the brain, which are essentially proteins that support the growth and survival of neurons.
This can lead to improved cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.
In fact, some studies have suggested that it may even help prevent or alleviate symptoms of cognitive decline in ageing populations.
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Prone to illness
Mushrooms contain many macronutrients that work to support a healthy immune system.
In fact, it is well-established that mushrooms are adept at immune modulation, most notably Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Chaga and Lion’s Mane.
Caffeine jitters
Caffeine is a wonder drug. However, a lot of people experience the jitters if they have too much (me included).
Which is why many turn to mushroom coffee, like our Super Nootropic Mushroom Coffee, which has half the amount of caffeine as a usual cup of joe, along with brain boosting lion’s mane, energising cordyceps and immune boosting chaga. ?
Other compounds in our coffee, like L-theanine and mace, also offer an energy boost without the risk of jitters.
High blood pressure
Mounting research suggests that adding mushrooms to your diet could contribute to lowering blood pressure levels. A review published in Phytotherapy Research highlights how edible mushrooms can improve hypertension.
Mushrooms that are particularly effective include Maitake and Reishi. The high levels of potassium in many mushrooms may contribute to their blood pressure lowering effects.
Poor gut health
Research shows that mushroom polysaccharides, their most abundant carbohydrate, stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria.
This review highlights the extensive research into mushrooms and the gut microbiota. Chage, Turkey Tail, Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushrooms stand out for their gut health promoting properties.
Low energy
Cordyceps have long been prized for their energising effects, with studies suggesting that they can improve physical performance and endurance while reducing fatigue.
This ?is why they are popular supplements for athletes and active individuals, but can also be ?effective for people who are feeling tired or weak.
High blood sugar levels / diabetes
Mushrooms are a rich source of the polysaccharide glucan. It has been shown to restore pancreatic tissue function by increasing insulin production by β-cells, resulting in lowered blood glucose levels.
In fact, a recent review of all the available data found that mushrooms are “helpful and have a lot of potential to treat diseases such as diabetes.”
To be honest, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of mushrooms.
There are approximately 14,000 mushrooms known to science at this moment in time.
And there are estimated to be more than 5 million in total.?
With the current rate of discovery, it will take another four thousand years to discover all the mushroom species on this planet!
Mind = blown.